Toothbrush



s. v. LAUB TOOTHBRUSH Feb. 20, 1934.

Filed April 9, 1931 Q W( fw KM m m E Patented Feb. 20, 1934 TOOTHBRUSH Stanley V. Laub, Detroit, Mich.

Application April 9, 1931. Serial No. 528,811

23 Claims.

The invention relates generally to 'tooth brushes, and its principal objects are to provide a tooth brush of very inexpensive construction, which may be dispensed at comfort stations, hotels, department stores and the like at small expense to people frequenting such places who would not have tooth brushes with them; to provide a tooth brush of inexpensive and non-durable construction that may be used once by the pur- Chaser and thrown away thereby avoiding the unsanitary conditions occurring as a result of repeated use of the same brush; to provide a tooth brush which enables the ordinary person to change tooth brushes frequently and therefore obviates the common unsanitary type of brush; to provide a tooth brush of this character which is equipped with a small quantity of tooth paste or other tooth cleansing agent sufficient primarily for one teeth washing operation; to provide a combination of this character in which the tooth paste remains in a fresh and sanitary condition until it is used; to provide holders for tooth brushes of the aforesaid character which may be quickly attached to or removed from the tooth brush; to provide a tooth brush which does not have any holder or handle but which may be quickly associated with a holder or handle either provided in public places of the character referred to above, or carried by the traveling public; and in general to provide a tooth brush that reduces or obviates the unsanitary conditions that are recognized at the present time in connection with the cleaning of teeth by means of tooth brushes.'

Various forms of the invention have been illustrated in the drawing, according to the following figures, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a longitudinal cross sectional view of a tooth brush constructed according to one form of the invention wherein a tooth paste container is equipped with a cleansing brush;

Fig. 2 is a cross sectional view taken substantially along the line 2 2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is an elevational view of a holder for the brush, shown by broken lines, the manner in which the brush is associated with the holder;

Fig. 4 is a cross sectional view as taken along the line 4-4 of Fig. 2, also illustrating the holder in cross section;

Fig. 5 is a cross sectional view of the construction shown by Fig. 2, illustrating the manner in which the tooth paste in the container is extruded;

Fig. 6 is a cross sectional view of a brush similar to that shown by Fig. 2, but in which the Wall to which the bristles are connected is of slightly different construction;

Fig. 7 is a cross sectional view taken substantially along the line 7--7 of Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a cross sectional view similar to that 60 shown by Fig. 7, of a form of the invention slightly diierent from that shown by Fig. 6;

Fig. 9 is a cross sectional view taken substantially along the line 9-9 of Fig. 6;

Figs. 10, 11 and 12 illustrate various construc- 65 tions of finger holders which may be connected to the tooth brushes illustrated in the previous figures.

Fig. 13 illustrates one of the tooth brushes associated with a handle.

Referring to Figs. 1, 2, 4 and 5, a tooth paste container 10 is provided which has a cavity or opening 11 adapted to receive the paste or any other suitable cleansing material. The container 10 is provided with an opening 13 communi- 75 eating with the cavity 11, through which the paste is injected into the latter. When the paste has been deposited in the cavity 11 the opening 13 is closed by means of a plug 15, and in order to properly position the plug, edges of the latter and the opening 15 may be tapered as indicated at 15. Preferably the plug 14 will be cemented or sealed in place, although it may be secured to the container 10 in any other suitable manner.

The container 10 is composed of a light, flexi- B5 ble transparent material, for example such as a cellulose-composition, cellophane, or any other material of similar characteristics, which is nondurable in nature. A material not transparent also could be employed, but it is particularly desirable to use a transparent material, because paste in the container will be visible and hence the character of the construction will be more readily appreciated by the users of such articles. Also the container 10 preferably is colored and 95 various colors may be used for identification purposes. For example, the color of the container may be employed for identifying the kind of tooth paste therein.

The side walls of the container 10 are provided 100 with ribs 16 and 17 which converge slightly toward that end of the container opposite the plug 15. These ribs are employed for securing a finger holder 18 releasably to the container. As best shown by Figs. 3 and 4, the finger holder 18 is 105 of semi-thimble shape and is provided with channel edge portions 19 and 2O which are adapted respectively to receive the ribs 16 and 17 on the container. They ringer holder 18 also may be composed of a iiexible material, which has sufllcient contractile resiliency that the channel edge portions 19 and 20 may be moved apart for the purpose of facilitating assembling the holder with the container. It will be observed that the container may readily be assembled with the holder by sliding the former into the latter through the open end thereof. The container is so positioned in the holder, that the slightly converging ribs 16 and 17 on the former, when moved into their final position, are slightly wedged between the channel portions 19 and 20 of the holder.

The lower wall of the container 10, indicated at 24, is provided with bristles 25 which may constitute integral thread-like elements, or ordinary bristles secured to the wall of the container in any suitable manner. Preferably the bristles are integral with the container, because lessvexpense would be involved in manufacturing an article of this character. As best shown by Figs. 4 and 5 the outer surface of the lower wall of the container is provided with a longitudinally extending slot 26, which is normally closedbecause of the contractile character of the container. This slot does not .extend entirely through the wall of the container, but a thin membrane v29 is retained to connect the edges of the wall adjacent the slot. At opposite sides of the slot 26, the bottom surface of the cavity 11 is tapered toward the slot as indicated at 27 and 28, for facilitating extrusion of the paste 12 of the cavity through the slot. When it is desired to extrude the paste 12 through the slot, the upper wall of the container is depressed and this operation results initially in a fracture of the memberane 29, and then in an enlargement of the slot and extrusion of the paste into the area of the bristles 25. It will be evident from an inspection of Figs. 4 and 5, that during the teeth cleaning operation, with the finger located in the holder 18, in contact with the upper wall of the container 10, the paste may be extruded gradually into the area of the bristles during the teeth cleaning operation, or the paste may be extruded lprior to brushing the teeth.

The construction shown by Figs. 6 and 7 is similar to that shown by Fig. 2, with the exception that a slot is not formed in the lower wall of the container, but to the contrary the wall is perforated. Openings 30 are partially formed in the lower surface of the lower Wall of the container, and the wall may be readily punctured in these regions by means of any suitable sharp pointed instrument, in order to form openings through which the tooth paste 12 may be extruded into the area of the brushes 25. It is to be understood that the openings 30 partially formed in the lower wall of the container need not necessarily be provided in all cases, and that the lower wall of the container may be of such thickness that it may readily be punctured without the use of openings such as 30. 'Ihe cavity 11 of the construction shown by Figs. 6 andv 7 is of slightly different contour as compared to the construction previously described, particularly in that, the bottom surface of the cavity is parallel to the lower surface of the container which facilitates puncturing the lower Wall at various places and extruding the tooth paste over substantially the entire area of the brushes 25.

The construction shown by Fig. 8 is very similar to that shown by Figs. 6 and 7, but it is distinguished therefrom by the provision of openings 31 in the lower wall of the container which extend into the cavity 11. Normally these openings are filled with a sealing material, which may be Gf such character, that upon depressing the upper wall of the container in extruding the tooth paste, the sealing material will be forced out of the openings. On the other hand, the sealing material may be of such character that although it cannot be conveniently forced out as above described, nevertheless it offers areas that may be readily punctured as previously described.

Fig. 10 discloses another type of finger holder which may be used in conjunction with the container 10.. This holder comprises two flexible straps 34, the ends of which lare suitably secured to the side walls of the container. 'I'he straps may be composed of inexpensive material such as woven cloth, cellophane or any other suitable material, and may be permanently attached to the container and sold therewith. It will be noted in this construction that the side walls of the container are not provided with ribs such as the ribs 16 and 17 shown in the previous construction, since the ribs are not necessary.

In the construction shown vby Fig. 11 a single strip or piece of fabricy or other suitable material is associated wlth the side walls of the container in substantially the same manner that the straps 34 are secured to the container in the construction shown by Fig. 10. It will be noted that the upper surface of the holder 35 is tapered with respect to the upper wall of the containerthereby providing a wedge-like opening simulating the shape of the linger, and facilitating holding the brush during the teeth cleaning operation. Also, in this connection, it may be pointed out that the two straps in the construction 10 may be of different lengths for the purpose of wedging the with the exception that a flexible plate 36 extends transversely of and is fixed to the walls of the holder andthis plate is provided with a pointed projection 38 that may be used for puncturing the lower wall of the container. A holder of this character, or a holder of the type shown in Figs. 3 and 4, may be constructed of any permanently durable material, and in some cases a silver cornposition or a gold composition may be employed Where an article of high quality is desired.

When the upper wall of the container l0 is depressed, either by direct contact of the nger therewith or through the wall 36 of one form of the holder, the depression that results naturally seems to hold the nger more firmly in its proper position. Hence during operation of the brush its movement can be controlled in a better manner.

In the construction shown by Fig. 13 a holder 40 for the container 10 is provided which comprises a portion 41 similar in shape to the holder illustrated by Figs. 3 and 4, and a handle portion 42. The lower wall of the handle is provided with a projection 43 which engages the end of the container 10 and retains the latter in position. It will be understood that the holder 40 is of such material that the handle 42 may be sprung upwardly sufliciently to disengage the projection 43 from the upper wall of the container 10 and thereby permit removing and inserting the container. The outer end of the handle 42 may be provided with a pointed tip 44 which may be utilized for puncturing the lower wall of the container.

From the above description it will be apparent that an article of manufacture has been provided comprising a small tooth paste container having bristles secured to one of its walls which may be manufactured at a. very small cost and dispensed at any place particularlyA convenient to the traveling public. Moreover, an article of this character being of inexpensive character may be used only once and then discarded, thereby avoiding unsanitary conditions which result from repeated use of the ordinary tooth brush. It is apparent that the finger holder may be dispensed asa part of the tooth brush and in this case it would be of inexpensive construction, or the holder may be composed of a permanently durable material which may be carried and repeatedly used. Another advantage of the invention is that tooth paste manufacturers can supply manufacturers of the articles previously described, paste in bulk which will decrease the cost of the latter and enable dispensing the brush and paste in combination at a lower cost. Diiferent kinds of tooth paste may be used and identified in any suitable manner as by variegated containers.

While several forms of the invention have been described and illustrated in detail, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

1. An article of manufacture comprising a tooth paste or other tooth cleansing agent container, and bristles secured to one Wall of the container, the assembly being of such size that it may be usedjas a tooth brush, said wall to which the bristles are secured being comprised of such material that it may be punctured easily and the paste or cleansing agent extruded into the area of the bristles.

2. An article of manufacture comprising a tooth paste or other tooth cleansing agent container, and bristles secured to one wall of the container, the assembly being of such size that it may be used as a tooth brush, said wall to which the bristles are secured having a crevice which is normally closed but which may be opened by distortion of the container and the paste or cleansing agent extruded into the area of the bristles.

3. An article "of manufacture comprising a tooth paste or other tooth cleansing agent container, and bristles secured to one wall of the container, the container having a exible wall. whereby when an opening is formed in the flexible Wall, the paste or other cleansing agent may be extruded into the area of the bristles, said bristle wall having openings filled with readily removable material.

4. An articlev of manufacture comprising a tooth paste or other tooth cleansing agent container, and bristles secured to one Wall 'of the container, the container having a flexible wall, whereby when an opening is formed in the rst wall, the paste or other cleansing agent may be extruded into the area of the bristles, said bristle wall having areas of reduced thickness in order to facilitate puncturing the Wall.

5. The combination with a tooth paste or other tooth cleansing agent container having bristles secured to one Wall, of a holder removably attachable to the container, said holder facilitating the teeth cleaning operation, said holder comprising a band loop extending from one side of the container to the other, whereby a finger may be inserted between the container and loop.

6. The combination with a tooth paste or other tooth cleansing agent container having bristles tothe container in order to wedge the nger in a holding position.

7. The combination with a tooth paste or other tooth cleansing agent container having bristles secured to one wall, of a holder removably attachable to the container, said holder facilitating the teeth cleaning operation, said holder having means for puncturing the wall of the container.

8. The combination with a tooth paste or other tooth cleansing agent container having bristles secured to one wall, of a holder removably attachable to the container, said holder facilitating the teeth'- cleaning operation, said holder having a handle provided with a pointed portion adapted to puncture the wail of the container.

9. A nger holder for a tooth brush comprising a substantially stiff plate having finger retaining portions.

10. A finger holder for a tooth brush which is of generally semi-thimble shape for receiving a finger, and provided with means for releasably retaining the brush.

11. A finger holder for a tooth brush comprising a plate having linger retaining portions, and. a pointed projection for puncturng a toothpaste container.

12. An article of manufacture comprising a bristle head, bristles projecting from one surface thereof, said head having walls defining a container, a small quantity of toothpaste or the like in the container portion of the head and in direct contact with the inner wall surfaces thereof, and releasable means in the bristle wall normally sealing the paste in the container.

.13. An article of manufacture comprising a head having bristles projecting from one surface thereof, toothpaste containing means at the opposite side of the head and operatively connected thereto and including a deformable Wall, and hand holder means releasably connected to the head and extending over said deformable Wall, that portion of the hand holder means extending over the deformable wall of the head being spaced from the latter to permit insertion of the finger to deform the wall thereby.

14. An article of manufacture comprising a bristle head, bristles secured to one face of the head, means containing a small quantity of tooth paste or other tooth cleansing agent, on the opposite side of the head, a hand 'gripping element means on the head adapting it to be releasably connected to the element, and means for sealing the paste independently regardless of the gripping element.

15. An article of manufacture comprising a bristle head free of any handle, and having walls defining a container, toothpaste or the like in the container, readily releasable means normally sealing the paste in the container, and bristles projecting from one wail of the head, said bristle wall having portions which can readily be punctured to provide .openings for extrusion of toothpaste into the bristle area.

16. An article of manufacture comprising a bristle head free of any handle, and having walls one of which is deformable, defining a container for toothpaste, a small quantity of toothpaste in such container, bristles projecting from one wall of the head, and means completely sealing the paste in the container but being readily releasable to permit extrusion of the paste upon deforming said deformable wall. e

1'?. An article of manufacture comprising a head having container walls, one of which is deformable, toothpaste in said container, and bristles projecting from one wall thereof, said bristle wall having thin portions to readily permit puncturing and hence extrusion `of paste into the bristle area upon movement of the deformable wall.

18. An article of manufacture comprising a head having container Walls one of which is deformable, toothpaste in said container, bristles projecting from one Wall thereof, said bristle wall having openingsand means normally sealing the openings, whereby upon releasing the sealing means paste may be extruded into the bristle head upon movement of the deformable wall.

19. In combination, a head having container Walls one of which is deformable, toothpaste in the container, bristles projecting from one wall of the head, a handle having a channel portion adapted to receive the head, and means releasably holding the head in the channel.

20. An article of manufacture comprising a sealed container, toothpaste or the like in the container and in direct contact with the walls thereof, and bristles projecting from one side of the container.

21. A tooth brush comprising a handle having 'a longitudinal pocket in its under side at one end, longitudinal guiding means at opposite sides of' the pocket, a removable bristle head adapted to vbe moved longitudinally in said pocket and guidpocket for releasably holding the other end of the head in place.

22. A tooth brush comprising a handle having a pocket in its under side at one end, which opens toward the other end of the handle, a bristle head insertable longitudinally into the pocket from the open end thereof, and means for releasably holding the head against longitudinal displacement in the pocket.

23. A tooth brush comprising a handle having at one end, a pocket in its vunder side which is closed at the adjacent end of the handle but which opens toward the other end of the handle, a bristle head insertable longitudinally into the pocket through such open end thereof, and means releasably holding the head dn the pocket against longitudinal displacement.

STANLEY V. LAUB. 

